Apprentice

Warrior under Chaos


You were exploring in a forest, with your trusted companion. The forest itself seemed quite friendly and peaceful, but not long after just starting your adventure, a dense shadow seems to sweep over you and everything around. The birds go silent, and you no longer see squirrels or rabbits hopping about. Something owns this land, and you know it.

You turn around to leave, but as you spin, the trees seem to reach forth and block out any light entering through their leaves. You can barely see, you don’t know which way you came from. Your companion senses something you cannot. They whimper in terror and cower down. Bright, green-yellow eyes peer at you from the dark abyss. You can clearly hear a hiss as your eyes lock on the others’.

A claw, sheeted in leather armor, comes forth, carrying a massive creature. A dragon. Of course. Blood red with all the wrong accents, making it seem just terrifying. A sly grin peeked out from under its dark skull mask, and it gets right up to your face. Your companion backs away quickly, attempting to bring you with it, but you’re frozen in place. You can tell by the features of the beast that is a female guardian.

You’ve heard rumors about a dragon clan around your village, that are completely drawn to greed and killing. You’ve never believed them, but one look at this behemoth and you realize they must be true.

She hisses in an oddly charming voice, speaking to you. ‘You’ve found my sweet sanctuary.. the sanctuary of Apprentice.’ Her voice dropped like honey off of her black tongue.

Apprentice.

You realize that must be her name. Strange, you were expecting something more threatening sounding. Her appearance makes up for the name, though.

You slowly raise your hands and back away, trying to keep from shaking violently. ‘I-I don’t m-mean to disturb.. I.. I just want t-to leave!’ You stutter as you speak, yet try to keep confident. She steps closer. Her grin becomes wicked and twisting. Her wings twitch in an inticipation that can only come from long training and blood-lust.

She’s enjoying the terror, you can see that clearly.

Your companion, despite terrified, raises to defense when the dragon’s tongue flickers out, as if tasting the air that you occupy. They bite the leg of your pants and frantically drag you away. You break out of your frozen fright and turn around to run at full speed away from the beast. Your companion can smell the right way, back to the village, so all of your trust lies in them.

You don’t dare look back, but you can hear pounding steps and trees and branches breaking not far behind you. Hot breath tingles the back of your neck, hinting that she’s on your tail.

She can’t actually be this slow..

She’s playing a game with you...

This monster is torturing you! How long will this last??

After what seems like an eternity, the trees move back to allow light through the forest once again. You thought the darkness would be endless, thank god it’s almost over. Finally, after full light returns, and the thunder of claws beating behind you fades away, you collapse. You can hear the village, and you at once feel safe.

It’s over.. finally.

At least.. for now.